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 Reporter |
Summary: The Bull Run Mountains are the most easterly chain in the Piedmont, and they protect the headwaters of two major watersheds: Occoquan and Goose Creek. Seven perennial streams originate in the mountains. Approximately 45 miles from Washington, D.C., the mountains are part of an important greenbelt around the nation's capital and are vital because of their proximity to ever-increasing population and development. The Bull Run Mountains are composed of rock masses of metamorphic sandstones called quartzite. They are remnants of an earlier erosion cycle that occurred when the whole Piedmont was level with their summits. The Bull Run Mountains' varied elevation, topography, soils, and hydrology contribute to a great diversity of habitats and species. These ridges provide an isolated, rugged highland terrain within the generally lowland piedmont. http://www.brmconservancy.org/ Trailhead: Exit I-66 at Haymarket and turn right onto Rt 55 west. From Rt 55, turn onto Turner Road. Go over I-66 and make an immediate left onto Beverly Mill Drive. Bull Run Mountain Conservancy is at the end of the street on the left. (Lat:38.8248 Lon:-77.7057) Trail Guides for Bull Run Mountain: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Bull Run Mountains Conservancy 703-753-2631 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Coolhandz on 3/17/2010 Nice hike. A bit muddy in some parts after 4 days of rain but not really as bad as i expected. I did "pretend" to not see the signs at the top of the Ridge Loop (there were a few other people with same idea, so i wouldn't worry about it) and continued about another 300-400 yards up the trail and to the left where there was a rock outcropping with an amazing 180 degree view of beautiful countryside below. Well worth it. Also some very interesting sites along the trail with informational placards marking historical civil war battle sites and structures. Some of which are still standing(though in ruins). Definitely recommend this one.
Reviewed by nick on 3/7/2010 great hike, first to submit a review for 2010. the ridge loop and ridge trail are nice but they have fenced off the end of ridge trail with a no trespassing sign. if you want a really nice view and an awesome place to eat lunch you will pretend not to see these signs and go around the fence.
Reviewed by Doug on 10/11/2009 I really enjoyed hiking these trails. For those coming from the D.C. area, take a left at the Haymarket exit off of Rt. 66 onto Rt. 15 South. Route 55 West appears on the right after crossing over Rt. 66. Once on the hike, to get the great views, you can hike either Ridge Trail or Ridge Loop Trail to where it interconnects with Ridge Trail at Marker 14. If you're coming up Ridge Trail keep walking straight past Marker 14. After about a half mile you'll see pine trees on your left and open sky and eventually some rocky perches to get those great views of the partially forested farmland below.
Reviewed by Newbie on 10/8/2009 I want to second the warnings of the poster "Alex" below. Though I highly recommend verging off the Ridge Loop to see the views, which are spectacular, you have to be very careful. I'd say retrace your steps and make sure you find yourself back on the main trail where you started. Like Alex, I ended up on a trail that was marked (leading me to believe it was legit) and then suddenly disappeared. I ended up wandering around on paved rural farmland roads for quite some time. A beautiful area, but not what I bargained for when I started the hike. Bring a compass and if possible a more detailed map than what the conservancy provides. 
Reviewed by Robin A. D. on 10/4/2009 Great location for Northern Virginia folks, but NOT DOG FRIENDLY. What a shame!
Reviewed by Gary on 4/18/2009 Great hike, great views with the leaves off, although the ridge section beyond the property boundry is supposed to be closed (that is where the best view is, not to mention the summit of Bull Run Mt.) Don't rely on the trail map here, get one at the trail head. There are many other trails and they are not necessrily marked by name. I'll do this one again.
Reviewed by Mackenzie on 3/8/2009 I loved hiking through the woods! I saw some very interesting scenes that my grandfather took pictures of. I would deffinately recommend this hiking trail to my friends. On my way back, we saw a snake (a small one) and we took a few pics of it. I really like this hiking trail! It is one of the best of the few hiking trails I have been on. It is a nice place to go to when you want to get away from the city. I am going to tell my girl scout leader about this trail, so that my whole girl scout troop can see some nature. Although, I would recommend that you don't hike for a long time, because your feet WILL get tired.
Reviewed by Alex on 8/31/2008 We set out to do the Ridge Trail and ended up profoundly lost. The best views are about half a mile past the northern edge of the park on the left side, and It is well worth hiking out of the park to the overlooks, but DO NOT continue north along the trail. If you keep heading north the trail is blazed blue for a while then red then blue again and then up and vanishes like a fart in the wind. We made the mistake of thinking that it was simply not a frequented trail and ended up on a deer path that led to nowhere. If you do the Ridge Trail, go till you hit an area with paths to outcropings on the left and the turn around unless you want to know just how lost you can get in VA. If you get to the rusted 1950s bus in the woods, you are SOL Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Fauquier County Hiking, Fauquier County Trails, Fauquier County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||